The Economic Times

Consumer demand in India has reached a five-year high during the initial festive period, with sales growth recorded across home appliances, automobiles and apparel. Online platforms and quick-commerce services have also reported significant increases in sales. Automakers and white goods manufacturers witnessed strong demand and record festive sales, while industry executives expect the positive momentum to continue through the peak consumption period.

Quote of the day by Lady Gaga: Your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore. The singers powerful observation highlights the importance of building an independent identity, investing in personal ambitions and making career choices that do not depend entirely on romantic relationships. Her words also offer a reminder that professional goals can provide a lasting sense of purpose, especially when personal circumstances change.

Quote of the day by Heidi Klum is a reminder to stay resilient, curious and humble. Life rarely provides complete explanations before we make decisions, and sometimes even hindsight cannot reveal every reason behind an outcome. What matters is learning to move forward despite that uncertainty. Celebrate success without assuming it will always be easy to repeat, and face failure without believing it permanently defines your future.

NHAI is set to upgrade its 1033 helpline with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and real-time location tracking. The initiative aims to improve response times and provide faster emergency assistance to motorists across the country. While AI will help streamline call handling and emergency response, human operators will continue to play a crucial role in managing complex situations, combining technology with human judgement to improve the overall service.

Archaeologists discovered an ancient Anglo-Saxon burial chamber in Prittlewell, Essex. This well-preserved site contained a wooden coffin and numerous valuable grave goods. Gold crosses found within the coffin indicate the occupant was Christian. Scientific dating places this princely burial between AD 580 and 605. The identity of the man buried remains a mystery to researchers.

Due to unfavourable weather conditions, the Adi Kailash Yatra in Uttarakhand has been postponed until September 20. Meanwhile, Uruguay's Foreign Minister commended Indias effective leadership during the BRICS Summit, praising Prime Minister Modi's role. Union Home Minister Amit Shah encouraged the promotion of Indian languages and applauded the Vande Mataram rule. In the global aviation sector, airlines are advocating for increased competition in used jet engine parts.

Recent observations of Chariklo's faint ring system have revealed surprising alterations; the inner ring has become more opaque, whereas the outer ring has shown a decline in opacity. This dynamic suggests that the rings are in a state of flux, prompting scientists to reconsider the mechanisms behind their formation and evolution. Such findings may greatly enhance the understanding of ring systems throughout our solar system.

Billionaire attorney John Morgan has sparked a debate over remote work and employee privacy after claiming that 23 employees quit within a week when camera monitoring was introduced for those working from home. Morgan said the employees were allowed to continue WFH after resisting a return to the office, but only under strict monitoring.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are underway, bringing joy and traditional sweets. Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana offers a healthy modak recipe. This recipe provides protein and comes in delicious choco walnut and pistachio flavors. The preparation involves roasting milk powder and adding paneer for a mawa-like consistency. These guilt-free modaks can be enjoyed during the festive season.

Around nine equity mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in the last five years, led by infrastructure and smallcap schemes. ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Fund topped the list with 22.21% returns, followed by LIC MF Infrastructure Fund and DSP India T.I.G.E.R Fund.

Nasdaq futures fell as OpenAI and Anthropic leaders urged slower AI development for safety. Investor Michael Burry criticized these warnings, labeling them self-serving hype intended to maintain incumbent dominance, causing market anxiety regarding AI and chip stock valuations.

Silkworm eggs revealed developmental abnormalities in early space experiments. Later, the Rad Silk investigation examined cosmic radiation's long-term effects on the ISS. Ground-based trials showed that radiation during early embryonic development caused higher mutation rates. Visible white spots on larvae indicated radiation exposure levels inside spacecraft. These findings offer insights into radiation's impact on developing organisms beyond Earth.

Setbacks are an inevitable aspect of the human experience, often leaving one feeling unsteady. A wise Japanese proverb reminds us that adversity can serve as a catalyst for growth and strength. Just like soil hardens and becomes more resilient after rain, the challenges we face can enhance our ability to cope. By overcoming obstacles, we cultivate not only resilience but also the adaptability needed to forge a brighter future.

Japans inflation outlook is becoming increasingly sensitive to import costs, yen movements and supply shocks, raising concerns at the Bank of Japan. Policymakers are assessing whether these pressures could become persistent and influence inflation expectations, as the central bank weighs further rate hikes amid changing domestic and global economic conditions.

Indian equities experienced a decline on Friday, mirroring Asian markets' downward trend. Both Nifty and Sensex indices closed lower for a fifth consecutive week. Rising crude oil prices and US bond yields kept investors on edge throughout the trading session. Broader market indices also saw a dip, reflecting the overall market sentiment. Despite some recovery, the market's fear gauge, VIX, increased significantly.

Meal satisfaction depends on the balance of food volume and nutrient density. As per Delhi nutritionist Lovneet Batra, whole fruits are more beneficial than processed jams, as they contain more fiber and water, aiding in fullness. Potatoes, with their fiber and nutrients, contrast sharply with chips, which are calorie-heavy post-frying. Air-popped popcorn also provides a greater serving size than peanuts while remaining budget-friendly. Prioritizing nutrient-dense, minimally processed items enha

Quote of the day by Carl Sandburg: Carl Sandburg's quote, There is a place where the heart beats faster, explores what it truly means to feel at home. His words point to belonging, emotional connection and the places that shape us. Home is not always an address. It can be a person, a memory or a familiar feeling. This life lesson offers a thoughtful way to understand relationships, change and where we truly belong.

The route to success is sometimes boring, monotonous and devoid of excitement. Success requires commitment and dedication. Kobe Bryant, the late basketball legend, once said that everyone wanted to succeed, but few people realised that success required patience, sacrifice and consistency. And that required accepting the beauty of boring routines.

French philosopher Ren Descartes highlighted intuition and deduction for knowledge acquisition. He believed understanding requires careful thought and logical connections between ideas. Descartes, a mathematician and scientist, founded modern philosophy with his systematic doubt. His influential works explored reason, knowledge, and the mind.

French philosopher Ren Descartes highlighted intuition and deduction for knowledge acquisition. He believed understanding requires careful thought and logical connections between ideas. Descartes, a mathematician and scientist, founded modern philosophy with his systematic doubt. His influential works explored reason, knowledge, and the mind.

Quick commerce platforms are expanding beyond groceries to include electronics and beauty products. Flipkart Minutes is focusing on non-grocery categories for the upcoming festive season. Industry estimates show non-grocery items now form a significant portion of quick commerce business. Flipkart Minutes plans to add more fulfillment centers to support this expansion. The company is improving its profit margins and aims for profitability through scale.

An OpenAI system solved the Navier-Stokes problem, a Millennium Prize question. This AI achievement occurred after human mathematicians made significant progress on the same challenge. The resulting mathematical proof is correct but incomprehensible to humans who prompted it. This separation of answers from understanding redefines human roles in discovery. Future advancements will prioritize asking valuable questions over finding answers.

India's food regulator has targeted popular alcohol brands for using neutral spirit and misleading ageing claims. Many Indian liquors are artificially flavored neutral spirits, not aged spirits as advertised. High import duties restrict access to better quality foreign spirits for consumers. Government policies and corruption also limit choices for budget-conscious drinkers. This situation prevents Indians from easily accessing superior quality alcoholic beverages.

Quote of the Day by Confucius: If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent highlights the value of thinking before speaking. The ancient philosophers words suggest that not every thought needs to be expressed, especially when speaking could add little value, create unnecessary conflict or cause harm. The quote also offers a lesson in self-control and wisdom.

The India-EU free trade agreement will allow European automakers to export 1 lakh passenger vehicles annually at concessional duties initially, rising to 1.6 lakh from the 10th year. The pact also offers tariff concessions on electric vehicles, wines, pork, apples, kiwifruit, pears and peaches through quotas and price-based conditions.

BlackRock's flagship private credit fund saw lower redemption requests in the third quarter, signalling that pressure in the sector may be easing. Withdrawal requests at other BlackRock funds also declined, while analysts said improving sentiment and a clearing redemption backlog could support private credit firms and asset managers.

Fast bowling great Wasim Akram expressed disappointment over Pakistan's batting talent drought. He stated the Pakistan Super League has not produced noteworthy batting talent. Akram believes reviving club cricket is essential for improving red ball performances. He stressed the need for patience and planning in the domestic structure. The former captain highlighted courage and talent as crucial for Test cricket success.

Researchers are testing plastic pipes within mining waste to create artificial dens. These structures aim to protect endangered northern quolls from harsh environmental conditions. Early trials show quolls entering and leaving the experimental shelters successfully. This innovative approach could aid post-mining habitat restoration efforts for the marsupial. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term viability and breeding support.

Quote of the Day by Cheryl Ladd: Cheryl Ladd highlighted the significant role of children's mimicry in understanding their environment, recalling how she spent a summer mirroring Haley Mills. This behavior showcases how kids absorb and reflect the actions and media they encounter. It serves as a reminder for adults to be aware of the examples they set, as these impressions leave lasting impacts on young, impressionable minds.

US stocks opened higher on Friday despite data showing consumer prices accelerated in August. The Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq gained at the open, putting the major indexes on track to end a volatile week on a positive note as investors assessed the latest inflation data and its implications for Federal Reserve policy.

The Reserve Bank of India possesses tools to manage banking liquidity from deposit inflows. Governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated a readiness to deploy various measures if needed. He noted that excess liquidity currently lowers the weighted average call rate. The central bank anticipates some liquidity withdrawal naturally over time. The MPC will reassess growth-inflation dynamics next month amid oil price risks.

Quote of the day by George Clooney: George Clooney believes repeated failures offer valuable lessons about external influences. He learned that success and failure are often beyond individual control. Clooney's career began with small roles before his breakthrough on ER. He achieved significant fame and financial success through numerous films and ventures. His estimated net worth stands at $500 million from acting and business.

Quote of the Day by Mariah Carey: Mariah Careys quote, Never listen to anybody who tries to discourage you explores the importance of self-belief, determination, and staying focused on your goals. The quote suggests that people should not allow negative opinions or discouraging voices to weaken their confidence or prevent them from pursuing their dreams. It encourages individuals to trust their abilities, remain motivated, and continue moving forward despite criticism or doubt from others.

The Allahabad High Court has stayed a six crore rupee fine imposed on a mosque management. This order came after the mosque's demolition in Saharanpur's collectorate premises. The court has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a counter affidavit within three weeks. The petition challenges the city magistrate's demolition order and the district judge's dismissal.

Among the 11 sub-categories, smallcaps received the highest inflows of Rs 7,973 crore in August

Quote of the day by Alexander von Humboldt offers a simple way to understand a complicated world. His thinking placed connection above isolated facts. Nature, people and everyday decisions rarely exist alone. One event can affect another in ways we miss. This idea makes his life wisdom relevant to perspective, balance, curiosity and understanding how different parts of life fit together.

The BJP has nominated former IAS officer Debashish Sharma for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election. Sharma recently took voluntary retirement and joined the BJP before receiving the ticket. The by-election is scheduled for October 6, with results announced on October 9.

OP Bhatt resigned as Coforge chairman after a dispute over board evaluation findings. These findings reportedly included his own poor performance ratings. KPMG uncovered inconsistencies in how evaluation reports were presented. Key information was withheld from the board, violating regulations. Investors confronted Bhatt after the audit firm highlighted these discrepancies.

President Xi Jinping will visit India for a 24-hour BRICS summit and talks. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss bilateral ties and economic partnership. This visit aims to stabilize relations and boost economic cooperation between the two nations. Discussions may include Chinese investments and electric vehicle market entry into India. The state of the border will significantly influence the future of bilateral relations.

Organised apparel retailers anticipate revenue growth slowing to twelve to thirteen percent this fiscal year. Profitability faces pressure as costs rise and competition limits price increases. Value fashion is a key growth driver, increasing its market share significantly. Retailers are expanding into smaller cities and investing in omnichannel capabilities. The festive season remains critical for annual apparel sales performance.

Riley Courtright, a lifelong atheist diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, says two near-death experiences over 18 months completely changed her beliefs. During the second experience, she claims she encountered God, witnessed the creation of the universe and returned to her body feeling physically transformed. Courtright says doctors later told her they could not explain her condition, while she believes she had been healed.

India hosts the expanded BRICS summit, showcasing its significant global role. The group's growth reflects the non-western world's desire for diversity and pluralism. BRICS cooperation now encompasses political, economic, and developmental issues across continents. India's leadership highlights its convening power and acceptability across ideological divides. This summit offers opportunities for crucial dialogues and managing global power dynamics.

A Department of Homeland Security advertisement featuring Mr Singh has ignited controversy. Advocacy groups have labeled the campaign as racist and anti-American profiling. The department used AI-generated imagery and Transformers characters in its posts. This campaign targets unlicensed commercial drivers and foreign nationals. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also condemned the government's demonizing message.

The West Bengal assembly passed a bill allowing staff transfers between state universities. This amendment empowers the government to move teaching and non-teaching personnel. Both TMC factions criticized the BJP-led government for its swift legislative action. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that dissatisfied employees could resign. The bill was passed through a voice vote on Thursday.

International summits often feature numerous acronyms that are frequently reinterpreted creatively. This trend of wordplay is seen as a distraction from serious diplomatic matters. The author suggests a deterrent, an 'Acronym Abuse Jar', for such linguistic diversions. Proceeds from this jar could fund essential services like translation for officials. The article advocates for maintaining the original, sober meaning of these important institutional initials.

Global summits highlight a multipolar world order and competing national interests. Industrial democracies informally assemble, behaving like a D10 coalition. This grouping commands significant global GDP and economic influence. India's consistent participation makes it indispensable to these discussions. The time has arrived for this informal arrangement to gain formal recognition.

BSP chief Mayawati announced her nephew Akash Anand is now completely freed from the party. This decision followed Akash's father-in-law's retirement from politics and social life. Mayawati stated Akash's family ties outweighed his party commitment and movement. She had previously removed him from national coordinator responsibilities in September 2026. The party's leadership feels Akash should now remain independent from the BSP organization.

Sourav Ganguly stated Mohammed Shami is not neglected by selectors and remains an absolute champion. Shami has consistently performed well in domestic cricket while awaiting national team selection. Ganguly believes it is too early to predict Shami's chances for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He also praised Ishan Kishan's Duleep Trophy performances and backed his Test cricket return.

Ancient Indian traditions fostered a culture of deep inquiry, celebrating figures like Nachiketa and Gargi, who embodied fearless questioning and profound wisdom. The Buddha urged his followers to authenticate teachings through personal experience, while the Gita inspires Arjun to reflect for wise decisions. Such practices cultivate clarity, informed choices, and compassionate actions in life.